Ratchet type socket wrench



Dec. 21, 1954 L, w, BROOKS 2,697,370

RATCHET TYPE SOCKET WRENQH Filed sept. 4. 1951 WHL um.

AAAAA INVENTOR.

United States Patent C RATCHET TYPE SOCKET WRENCH Linzy W. Brooks, Portland, Oreg. Application September 4, 1951, Serial No. 244,966

8 Claims. (Cl. 81-58) My invention pertains to wrenches, and relates particularly to a novel construction of a ratchet type socket wrench.

It is a principal object of my invention to provide a ratchet type socket wrench which is positive in action and which is devoid of any parts requiring maintenance and adjustment.

Another important object of my invention 1s the provision of a ratchet type socket wrench which is of slender profile to accommodate its use in confined and otherwise inaccessible places.

A further important object is to provide a ratchet type socket wrench in the form of an adapter capable o f use in combination with conventional lever handles available from commercial sources.

A still further object is the provision of a ratchet type socket wrench which is of simplified construction, comprising a minimum number of parts which are assembled and disassembled with facility, and which 1s sturdily constructed for long and eliicient operating life.

These and other objects and advantages of my invention Will appear from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure l is a fragmentary perspective view showing, in assembled condition, a wrench embodying the features of my invention;

Figure 2 is a foreshortened plan view of a lever h andle incorporating at its ends the d rive element forming a part of the wrench of my invention;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the reversible ratchet element of my wrench;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the socket element of my wrench;

Figure 5 is an end View of the ratchet element as viewed in the direction of arrow 5 in Figure 3;

Figure 6 is an end view of the socket element as viewed in the direction of arrow 6 in Figure 4;

Figure 7 is a plan view of the drive element of my wrench showing the same in the form of an adapter; and

Figure 8 is an end view of the adapter as viewed in the direction of arrow 8 in Figure 7.

My wrench consists essentially of three separate elements, namely, the drive element 1, the ratchet element 2 and the socket element 3. The drive element is formed in three longitudinal sections, namely, the head 4, the intermediate drive 5 and the pilot 6. These sections are respectively, of progressively decreased diameters, as shown. Thus, there is formed on the end of head 4 adjacent the drive 5 a circular shoulder 7, while a second shoulder 8 is formed on the end of drive section 5 adjacent the pilot section 6.

The head 4 is preferably of circular cross section, but may be of any configuration desired. The drive section 5 is angular in cross section as, f or example, the hexagon shape illustrated. The pilot section 6 is circular in cross section. Shoulder 7 preferably tapers outwardly away from the drive section 5 for purposes explained hereinafter, while shoulder 8 extends normal to the longitudinal axis of the drive element. A spring-extended ball 9 projects retractably from the surface of the drive section S and pilot section 6 for purposes also explained hereinafter.

The ratchet element 2 is formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder. The outer surface of the ratchet element is preferably circular in cross section and of the same diameter as the head 4 of the drive element 1.

ICS

The inner surface 10 of the ratchet element is of thepsame angular cross section as the drive section 5 and of slightly greater dimension. Thus, the inner surface 10 forms a socket which is engageable by the drive section 5 of the drive element 1. The complementary angular cross sections of the said parts 5 and 10 secure them together against relative axial rotation. The spring-extended ball 9 in the drive section 5 frictionally engages the inner surface 10 of the ratchet element 2 and thereby inhibits axial separation of the latter and the drive element 1.

The opposite ends of the ratchet element 2 are provided with a plurality of teeth 11 spaced circumferentially about said ends and projecting longitudinally of the ratchet element. The leading edge 12 of each tooth extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ratchet element. By leading edge is meant that edge which faces i'n the direction of rotation of the ratchet element when the latter is engaging and turning the socket element 3, as distinguished from the direction of rotation when the ratchet element is sliding or ratcheting over the socket element, as explained in detail hereinafter.

The trailing edge 13 of each tooth slopes obliquely away from the leading edge to a point spaced from the leading edge of the adjacent tooth next following in ro- The leading edge of one tooth is connected to the trailing edge of the tooth preceding it in rotation by a sloping edge 14. The juncture of the trailing edge 13 and the sloping edge 14 forms a V-shaped notch, as best shown in Figure l, for purposes explained in detail hereinafter.

It is to be observed that the leading edges of the teeth formed on one end of the ratchet element 2 face in one direction of rotation while the leading edges of the teeth formed on the opposite end of the ratchet element face in the opposite direction of rotation. the wrench or counterclockwise rotation, as described hereinafter. On the other hand, if the ratcheting action is required in only one direction, the ratchet teeth may be provided on but one end of the ratchet element.

It is to be observed further that the edges 13, 14 forming the teeth are sloped longitudinally outward slope of the shoulder 7 formed on the head 4.

The socket element 3 is formed as a hollow cylinder which is reduced in outer diameter intermediate its ends to form the main socket section 15 of larger diameter anda sleeve section 16 of reduced diameter. A shoulder 17 is thus formed on the end of the socket section adjacent the sleeve section, the said shoulder being tapered outwardly away from the sleeve section at an to the taper of the shoulder 7.

The outer diameter of sleeve 16 is less than the inner diameter of the angular socket formed in the ratchet ele-l ment 2 by the surface 10, while the inner bore 18tof the sleeve is slightly greater in diameter than the diameter of the cylindrical pilot section 6 of the drive element 1. In this manner the sleeve may be inserted over the pilot 6 and inside the socket 1i). The spring-extended ball 9 on the pilot 6 frictionally engages the ball of bore 18 to secure the socket element 3 lightly to the pilot.

Formed in circumferentially spaced relation on the shoulder 17 are a plurality of pawl teeth 19. These pawl teeth extend radially outward from the sleeve 16 on the 11. The pawl teeth are bevelled symmetrically at their extremities to provide oblique surfaces 20 which form an apex having the same angle as the notch formed by the oblique edges 13, 14 of the ratchet element 2. The radial sides 21 of the pawl teeth are cut normal to the surface 15 for precise abutment with the leading edge 12 of the ratchet teeth 11. Thus, the pawl teeth 19 register properly with the ratchet teeth, as best shown in Figure l of the drawing.

The socket section 15 of vided with a hollow center angular cross section. socket 22 is hexagonal, but of any other angular shape the socket element 3 is prowhich forms a socket 22 of it is apparent that it may-be desired.

angle equal As shown in Figures l and 6, the,

For exampltz. vthe.

socket 22 may be of the conventionaltwelve-sided desgiialv in"`the"varioi1"sies;f the socket wrenches of general usage. On the other hand, the socket 22 may be sguareV in cross sectionY to receive a complementary square lug`('not"shown)n by which toattach th'e conventional 'socket wrenches just mentioned.`

` Referring nowto Figuresl and 2 ofthe drawing, the drive element 1 is shown formed 'as an integral'partof an" I -shaped `lever handle 23, one of said driveelements-.being provided at each end of the handle. It is apparent, however, that the drive element may be formed 'as a part ofany type and shape of handle desired, many of which are well-known in the art., A Y

As an alternative construction,A theAdrive, element 1 maybe formed as a separate unit, as shown in Figures '7`a`nd`8.rv In this modificationkthehead 4 is provided with'a socket I24, preferably of square' cross section, formed longitudinally ytherein in' axialY alignment with the-longitudinal axis of the drive element. The socket 24Y is thereby adapted to receive releasably therein the square male head of any of the several types of lever handles (not shown) available from commercial sources. In this manner the three elements 1, 2 and 3 of my invention may function as a ratchet adapter for conventional socket kits.

In order to facilitate the manipulation of the separate elements of my ratchet wrench, each of said elements is preferably provided with a circumferentially knurled band 25 which functions as a friction surface to be grasped by the fingers.

The operation of my ratchet wrench is believed to be evident from the foregoing description of its structure. Briefly, the parts are assembled in the manner illustrated in Figure l with the ratchet element 2 engaging the hexagonal drive section 5 and the socket element 3 rotatably centered upon the pilot 6. In Fig. ure l the assembly is arranged for turning the socket element 3, and hence a nut engaged therein, in a clockwise direction as viewed from the handle end of the drive element 1. Then, by turning the handle in the opposite, counterclockwise, direction the leading edges 12 of teeth 11 move out of abutment with the edges of teeth 19 and the oblique trailing edges 13 slide along the tapered edges of teeth 19. By reversing the ratchet element 2 end-for-end, the ratcheting action occurs in the directiondof clockwise rotation, as will be readily understoo From the foregoing it is believed apparent that several advantages attend the use of my novel ratchet type socket wrench. The wrench has a narrow prolewhich permits its use in restricted spaces. The drive element 1 may be attached integrally or releasably to all types and shapes of lever handles to accommodate utility under all conditions. The provision of a plurality of interengaging teeth 11, 19 provides for greater strength and reduces the possibility of slippage to a minimum. The ratchet and socket elements are secured frictionally to the drive element whereby the parts are maintained in proper assembly during use. The parts are capable of ready assembly and disassembly; the ratchet element 2 being reversible end-for-end to accommodate the ratcheting action in either clockwise or counterclockwise rotation. And the assembly consists of parts which are subject to substantially no wear and which require no adjustment.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in the structural details described hereinbefore may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of my invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is to be considered as illustrative of my invention and is not to be construed in a limiting sense.

Having now described my invention and the manner in which the same may be used, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. A ratchet type socket wrench comprising, in combination, a drive element having a head end, an intermediate drive section of angular cross section, and a pilot end of circular cross section, the head, drive section and pilot being, respectively, of progressively reduced diameters, a hollow ratchet element having an internal bore of the angular cross section of the said intermediate drive section for freely releasable driving engagement therewith, a plurality of circumferentially spaced ratchet teeth on at least one of the opposite ends of the ratchet element, a hollow socket element having aisoket endl and a hollow sleeve end of reduced diameter adapte'd'to be received' rotatably withinv theY angular bore of the ratchet element for sliding engagement with the said pilot, the socket end and sleeve end forming a shoulder therebetween, and a plurality of pawl teeth on the shoulder arranged in the circumferentially spaced relation of the ratchet teeth for complementary engagement therewith.

2. A ratchet type socket wrench comprising, in combination, a drive element having a head end, an intermediate drive section of angular cross section, and a pilot end of circular cross section, the head, drive section and pilot being, respectively, of progressively reduced diameters, a hollow ratchet element having an internal bore of the angular cross section of the said intermediate drive section for freely releasable driving engagement therewith, a plurality of circumferentially spaced ratchet teeth on at least one of the opposite ends of the ratchet element, a tool connecting element having means on one end for Vengaging a tool to be turned and having at the opposite end a hollow sleeve of reduced diameter adapted to be received rotatably within the angular bore of the ratchet element for sliding engagement with the said pilot, the space between the outer peripheries of the sleeve and the tool connecting element forming a shoulder, and a plurality of pawl teeth on the shoulder arranged in the circumferentially spaced relation of the ratchet teeth for complementary engagement therewith.

3. The ratchet type socket wrench of claim 2 wherein the drive element forms an integral part of a lever handle.

4. The ratchet type socket wrench of claim 2 wherein the drive element head end includes socket means adapted to secure a lever handle releasably therein.

5. A ratchet type socket wrench comprising, in combination, a drive element having a head end, an intermediate drive section of angular cross section, and a pilot end of circular cross section, the head, drive section and pilot being, respectively, of progressively reduced diameters, a hollow ratchet element having an internal bore of the angular cross section of the said intermediate drive section for releasable engagement therewith, a plurality of circumferentially spaced ratchet teeth on the opposite ends of the ratchet element, the leading edges of the teeth formed on the opposite ends of the ratchet element facing in opposite directions of rotation, the trailing edges of the ratchet teeth being tapered radially with respect to the ratchet element, a hollow socket element having a socket end and a sleeve end of reduced diameter adapted for sliding engagement with the said pilot, the socket end and sleeve end forming a shoulder therebetween, and a plurality of pawl teeth on the shoulder arranged in the circumferentially spaced relation of the ratchet teeth for complementary engagement therewith, the pawl teeth tapering outwardly away from the sleeve at the same angleas the tapered ratchet teeth.

6. A ratchet type socket wrench comprising, in combination, a drive element having a head end, an intermediate drive section of angular cross section, and a pilot end of circular cross section, the head, drive section and pilot being, respectively, of progressively reduced diameters, ahollow ratchet element having an internal bore of the angular cross section of the said intermediate drive section for "releasable engagement therewith, a plurality of circumferentially spaced ratchet teeth on the opposite ends of the ratchet element, the leading edges of the teeth formed on the opposite ends of the ratchet element facing in opposite directions of rotation, the trailing edges of said ratchet teeth yeach having oblique sections forming a notch therebetween and connecting the leading edge of the tooth next following it in rotation, a hollow socket element having a socket end and a sleeve end of reduced diameter adapted for sliding engagement with the said pilot, the socket end and sleeve end forming a shoulder therebetween, and a plurality of pawl teeth on the shoulder arranged in the circumferentially spaced relation of the ratchet teeth for complementary engagement therewith, the extremities of the pawl teeth being bevelled to the angle of the said notch for complementary contact therewith.

7. A ratchet type socket wrench comprising, in cornbination, a drive element having a head end, an intermediate drive section of angular cross section, and a pilot -end of circular cross section, .the head, drive section and pilotbeing, respectively, of progressively reduced diameters, a hollow ratchet element having an internal bore of the angular cross section of the said intermediate drive section for releasable engagement therewith, a plurality of circumferentially spaced ratchet teeth on at least one of the opposite ends of the ratchet element, the trailing edges of the ratchet teeth being tapered radially with respect to the ratchet element, the trailing edges of said ratchet teeth each having oblique sections-forming a notch therebetween and connecting the leading edge of the tooth next following it in rotation, a hollow socket element having a socket end and a sleeve end of reduced diameter adapted for sliding engagement with the said pilot, the socket end and sleeve end forming a shoulder therebetween, and a plurality of pawl teeth on the shoulder arranged in the circumferentially spaced relation of the ratchet teeth for complementary engagement therewith, the pawl teeth tapering outwardly away from the sleeve at the same angle of the tapered ratchet teeth, the extremities of the pawl teeth being bevelled to the angle of the said notch for complementary contact therewith.

8. A ratchet type socket wrench comprising, in combination, a drive element having a head end, an intermediate drive section of angular cross section, and a pilot end of circular cross section, the head, drive section and pilot being, respectively, of progressively reduced diameters, a hollow ratchet element having an internal bore of the angular cross section of the said intermediate drive section for freely releasable driving engagement therewith, a plurality of circumferentially spaced ratchet teeth on at least one of the opposite ends of the ratchet element, a tool connecting element having means on one end for engaging a tool to be turned and having at the opposite end a central circular aperture extending longitudinally therein for sliding engagement with the said pilot, and a plurality of pawl teeth on the apertured end of the tool connecting element between said aperture and the outer periphery of said element and arranged in the circumferentially spaced relation of the ratchet teeth for complementary engagement therewith.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

